In a unanimous decision that followed little discussion, the Natchez Board of Aldermen appointed Dr. Norris Edney to the Natchez-Adams School Board Tuesday night.

Edney, who retired in June from his position as director of the graduate program at Alcorn State University, was not available for comment following the announcement.

Edney beat out three other candidates for the position: James A. Coleman, Henry R. Gaud\u00E9 and Dale Steckler, widow of former school board member Dr. David Steckler whose death in June created the vacancy on the five-member board.

Also at the meeting, the board appointed Coleman to the city’s Civil Service Commission, which was also lacking a member.

Speaking for the board, Mayor F.L. &uot;Hank&uot; Smith said all four of the candidates were well-qualified for the position.

Edney emerged as the aldermen’s choice after a month-long review process that culminated in interviews with the candidates last week and Monday.

&uot;It was not an easy decision to make,&uot; Smith said.

&uot;I really think any of them would do a super job.&uot;

Ward 4 Aldermen Theodore &uot;Bubber&uot; West complemented Smith on &uot;the way (he) handled the appointment of both the school board and the civil service commission positions.&uot;

&uot;We were able to look beyond territorial things and personalities and get down to the grass roots of this — what is best for our children,&uot; West said.

Dr. Carl Davis, Natchez-Adams School District supervisor, said he was pleased by the board’s decision to appoint Edney.

&uot;It think it’s great; he will be a great addition as the fifth member of our board,&uot; Davis said.

&uot;He brings a lot of experience with him, especially in the areas of math and science,&uot; he said.

Edney will immediately begin work after being sworn in at the next school board meeting Oct. 12,&160;Davis said.

Between now and then, Edney will complete a series of workshops that will give him an &uot;overview of how the board works,&uot; Davis said.

All school board members are elected for five-year terms. Edney will replace Steckler, who was reappointed in May, and serve until 2005.